New disability jobs plan from 2018

People with a disability could soon be allowed to negotiate jobs directly with employers in a digital marketplace.

That's just one of the ideas being floated by the federal government as it develops a new disability employment system to come into effect post-2018.

Assistant Social Services Minister Mitch Fifield on Monday announced the overhaul of the billion-dollar government program that he says is not working appropriately to boost jobs for those with a disability.

As a six-month consultation period starts, he's put forward ideas for reform such as allowing employers to deal directly with potential employees in an online domain, removing government intervention.

He's also floated the possibility of allowing people with disability to purchase training and allowing disability service providers to specialise in fields like childcare, hospitality, or business services.

Senator Fifield says reform will give people with disability a much greater chance to work.

"We need a change in attitude to reach a point where employment for people with disability is expected," he said.

Disability advocates welcomed the plan to give people greater choice and control in their employment prospects.

But People With Disability Australia's Craig Wallace wanted reform on fair wages as well.

"Let's also make an honest commitment to move people with disability onto genuine living wages so they're actually paid properly for their work," he told AAP.

JOBS AND DISABILITY:

* 2.2 million, or 14.4 per cent of Australians aged 15-64 years of prime working age have a disability.

* But only half is in work.

* Disability Employment System supports around 160,000 people, but only finds about one in three people jobs.

* It costs taxpayers around $30,000 per job for a person with disability.